Island Health warning of possible measles exposure at several locations in Victoria (UPDATED)

UPDATE: The test results have come back negative on a probable case of measles in Greater Victoria.

A public warning was issued Monday morning about about a probable case of measles in the area, including the fact the person had visited a number of public places where people could possibly have been exposed. Read more.

Earlier:

Multiple students are staying away from school for several weeks after Island Health warned parents of a possible measles exposure at Selkirk Montessori last week.

According to Penny Barner, executive director of the Pacific Montessori School, one student’s younger sibling — who does not attend the school — was likely exposed to the disease recently, though their diagnoses has not been finalized yet.

With the potential of the contagious illness reaching the school, a number of students who are unvaccinated or who need to receive proof of out-of-province vaccination have been advised not to attend classes for a significant amount of time.

There are roughly 300 students that attend the school but the number of kids asked to stay home was not known at the time of this publication.

Authorities have recommended that these students stay out of school (and effectively in quarantine) for 21 days, and a small number of students are following the protocol.

“The reason for this is to prevent further transmission of measles, as symptoms of measles infection can take up to 21 days to appear, it is highly contagious, and people can transmit the disease before clear symptoms occur,” said Island Health in a release.

“We appreciate everybody’s cooperation in making every effort they can to protect their community.”

The students’ absence is set to run from April 15th to May 3rd.

“We want to thank the members of the school community for their cooperation,” said Barner. “It’s difficult to have to keep a child out of the school and everyone’s been very wonderful and we thank them.”

Besides Selkirk Montessori, Island Health has listed three places where other people may have been exposed to the illness.